As the proverb of our Zimbabwean sisters and brothers says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We are going far. Together we are going deeply, broadly, inclusively, and globally….The transforming work of congregations creates stronger connections across the Presbytery and the world; new opportunities to claim, embrace and live God’s abundant diversity; and vital ministries of hope, reconciliation and love….All teaching and ruling elders are connected and united with one another in partnerships of care, support and education….We are able to respond to God’s call to serve together with other Presbyterians in Colorado, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the global community.

From the “Vision Statement of the Presbytery of Denver”

Forming partnerships is at the heart of our vision for the Presbytery. The following four invitations lead us toward that vision in real, concrete and immediate ways. I hope you will accept these invitations and respond in partnership with churches and colleagues.

Churches Seeking Partners! Yes, several congregations, ministers and members are seeking partners to share in either mission work or ministries. They include: work at the Pine Ridge Reservation, concerns in the Philippines, work with refugees in Colorado, an orphanage in China, stewardship in the congregation, interests in developing urban gardens, and explorations about immigration issues. Also, please know that all of our current mission partnerships, task forces and covenant communities truly would welcome new partners. If you are sensing a call to join with another congregation or colleague in one or more of these concerns, please contact me (tom@denpres.org or 303-777-2453). And if you, too, are seeking a partner church in relation to a mission or ministry concern, let me know.

Our Next Service of Communion for those in Ministry and Preparing for Ministry will be held on Wednesday, April 29, at 11:30 a.m. at Iglesia Presbiteriana de Valverde. Following the time of worship and sacrament, we will join together for lunch at a near-by restaurant, selected by Jorge Barbaran. Please RSVP by April 28 to judy@denpres.org or call 303-777-2453. This is our first gathering at Iglesia since they were organized officially as a congregation and I hope you will make a particular effort to come and celebrate the church and Jorge’s ministry with us.

Commissioning for Walt Bedford to Strasburg You are invited to attend the Service of Commissioning for Walt Bedford as Commissioned Ruling Elder for the Strasburg Church on Saturday, April 18, at 11:00 a.m. A light luncheon will be served following the service of worship. Join together to support Walt and the church in this significant time in their ministries and the ministry of the whole Presbytery.

The Committee on Ministry will commission the Rev. Dr. Michael Motsko as Interim Pastor of Westminster Church on Sunday, April 19, at the 10:30 a.m. service of worship. All are welcome to attend this important service of worship.

Other Invitations and Opportunities

Preaching Justice in the Power of the Spirit is a preaching conference sponsored by the Presbytery of Sacramento. To be held at Zephyr Point on Lake Tahoe from May 4-6 and featuring the leadership of James Forbes, the conference costs only an amazingly low $50 for all fees, lodging and meals, other than travel. It is being funded from a special restricted fund of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Let me know and I can forward you a registration. You must admit that this is an incredible opportunity!

The Next Presbytery Assembly will be held at the Presbytery Center on May 26. It will be a full day of learning opportunities, fellowship, decision-making and worship. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., a free pizza lunch, provided by the Presbyterian Foundation, will be available. At 1:00 p.m. the Relations and Communications Work Group will sponsor the showing of the film, Trigger: The Effects of Gun Violence, which was produced by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Following the film Jean Demmler, a member of the work group, an elder at Capitol Heights Church and a member of the General Assembly’s Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, will lead a discussion about the film.

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. there will be the options of attending one of two important workshops: Living Creatively with Disabilities, led by our colleague, Kent Groff and Creating a Culture of Generosity, led by Sherry Kenney, Ministry Relations Officer for the Presbyterian Foundation and Kevin Keaton, Regional Representative of the Board of Pensions. These workshops, sponsored by the Leadership Work Group, offer dynamic opportunities to delve deeply into two critical areas of congregational and personal life. If you are struggling with diminishments in your life or in those you love and care for, you will want to attend the workshop with Kent. Sherry and Kevin will give an abundance of help for churches and church leaders facing the challenge and joy of stewardship in all its aspects that leads to a positive impact on the understanding of generosity.

WE DO NEED YOU TO RSVP FOR ANY OR ALL OF THESE EVENTS INCLUDING LUNCH TO SHERRY KENNEY BY MAY 21. When you RSVP, we ask you to identify specifically which events you are attending and also which 3:00 p.m. workshop you are selecting to attend. You may email Sherry at sherry.kenney@presbyterianfoundation.org or call 303-523-1936.

At 5:00 dinner will be served by the Mountain View and Providence Churches at the Presbytery Center. The meeting of the Presbytery Assembly will begin at 6:00 p.m.

“The Power of Storytelling” You are invited by the Mission and Ministry Work Group to attend a special program for mission leaders on Saturday, June 20, 2015, from 9 am to noon, at the Denver Presbytery Center. The next in our Nuts & Bolts series, this program will help you excite your congregation about mission. Learn tips for creating a punchy Minute for Mission that rallies the congregation, and get practical advice on your video content so you can win the Presbytery's competition. We are called to share the wonderful news of God's mission in the world. Professional storytellers will walk us through the process of powerful writing, imagery, and speaking.

The Presbytery Assembly in August (August 7-8) will begin with a “Staycation” at Highlands. Watch for upcoming details but be ready to join women, men and children for a special time that will include a program led by Tim Mooney, author of Like a Child, family activities and an evening campfire for all. Saturday, August 8, will include the stated meeting of the Presbytery as well as continued activities. Don’t miss this time together with the whole “presbytery family!” Remember, too, that the November 13-14 Leadership Retreat will be held at Highlands and will be led by Corey Schlosser-Hall.